Benito Mussolini (July 29, 1883 - April 28, 1945)
Mussolini
was born in Dovia di Predappio, Italy on July 29th, 1883. His parents were named Rosa and Alessandro Mussolini. Benito got a lot of influence from his father. He had two siblings named Arnoldo and Edvige. In 1905 he
served 2 years in the military. He worked as a journalist for the
Italian Socialist Party until they opposed the war. Initially in 1914
he agreed with their opposition to the war but was convinced by
politicians otherwise. He left the socialist party and started to
support revolutionary nationalism. He served for the Allies in WWI
until 1917 when he got involved in politics. Mussolini was influenced
by a number of politicians such as Plato, Georges Sorel and Nietzsche
and soon created the idea of fascism. As a fascist leader, Mussolini glorified war.
Mussolini's Rise to Power
1905: 2 years in military
1908: Did office work for Socialist Party
1911: Participated in a Socialist riot
1914: Agreed with the Socialist party opposing WWI; soon after disagreed and left Socialist party; formed a Fascist newspaper
1917: Got involved in politics
1919: Formed the Italian Combat Squad (a Fascist group)
1921: Elected Chamber of Deputies, the parliament of Italy
1922: March on Rome; Mussolini took power
1923: Acerbo Law passed; allowed parliament to be majority of Fascists
1926: Shot by Violet Gibson
1925-1927: Destroyed all restraints on his power
1928: Parties besides Fascist outlawed
1935: 3/4 of all businesses were under Mussolini's control
1908: Did office work for Socialist Party
1911: Participated in a Socialist riot
1914: Agreed with the Socialist party opposing WWI; soon after disagreed and left Socialist party; formed a Fascist newspaper
1917: Got involved in politics
1919: Formed the Italian Combat Squad (a Fascist group)
1921: Elected Chamber of Deputies, the parliament of Italy
1922: March on Rome; Mussolini took power
1923: Acerbo Law passed; allowed parliament to be majority of Fascists
1926: Shot by Violet Gibson
1925-1927: Destroyed all restraints on his power
1928: Parties besides Fascist outlawed
1935: 3/4 of all businesses were under Mussolini's control
Personality
Mussolini was a fiery speaker and to the people appeared powerful and very confident when their country was in a time of confusion and poverty. He was a very strong man in front of the people and demanded their attention.
Mussolini's Quotes
#1: "War alone brings up to its highest tension all human energy and puts
the stamp of nobility upon peoples who have the courage to face it."
Mussolini is saying how important war is. He argues that war can bring out the best in people and also can sort out the strong from the weak. He encourages war for this reason.
#2: "All within the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state."
Mussolini is stating the main principles fo Fascism. The idea that the country is everything and you must be loyal to your country and your leader. He believes that everything should happen in the state and everything should be for the state.
Mussolini is saying how important war is. He argues that war can bring out the best in people and also can sort out the strong from the weak. He encourages war for this reason.
#2: "All within the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state."
Mussolini is stating the main principles fo Fascism. The idea that the country is everything and you must be loyal to your country and your leader. He believes that everything should happen in the state and everything should be for the state.
